Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Flood fury as storm Francis causes havoc
» Homes in seaside town flooded as river bursts its banks » 37 people are rescued as angry MP claims Newcastle was left defenceless
STORM Francis was yesterday blamed for what may be the “worst flooding in living memory” after a seaside town was overwhelmed by torrential rain.
While 37 people were rescued from the deluge across Northern Ireland, Newcastle, Co Down, bore the worst of the flood after the Shimna River burst its banks leading to the area being inundated.
Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon praised the “multi-agency and community response” but warned “communities to be on their guard as weather warnings remain in place”. But Sinn Fein South
Down MP Chris Hazzard criticised Newcastle’s flooding preparations. He said: “There is complete devastation for so many families in what many locally believe to be the worst flooding in living memory here.
“My heart goes out to those who now find themselves – through no fault of their own – having to pick up the pieces after widespread destructive flooding.
“On behalf of the local community I want to express sincere thanks and gratitude to those emergency services and local volunteers for their selfless efforts in helping residents evacuate safely.
“However, there is growing anger that authorities appeared to be so unprepared for this event, given the fact the
Department of Infrastructure knew this storm was coming, why weren’t they prepared in advance?
“Why were sandbags and other emergency equipment not on location on
Monday? Instead, families were left scrambling to find sandbags and water pumps today when it was too late.
“Looking into many gullies blocked with debris, local people deserve to know why gullies and storm drains were not cleaned out this week in advance?”
Mr Hazzard said he has “asked Ms Mallon to urgently review the existing Flood Alleviation measures in the town in light of two severe flooding incidents in the space of 12 years”.
Following a visit to the town, she said: “Storm Francis has caused disruption, flooding and challenges for many communities across the North already. Unfortunately, with weather warnings still in place we need to remain vigilant
and keep our guard up against the elements. Staff from my department alongside other agencies remain on the ground distributing sandbags and providing assistance.
“They are ready to respond as necessary and are continually monitoring the situation throughout the North, including latest weather reports.
“My department has been working tirelessly to plan and protect communities across the North.
“The work of staff in Rivers and Roads has been exceptional, doing all they can, night and day and dealing with everything the storm has thrown at them to keep us safe. But their work would not be successful without the co-operation of the local community and our partners.
“Today, I visited Newcastle to speak with residents and those affected by Storm Francis.
“I have seen first-hand the hardship facing these families and while there’s been a swift effort in partnership here today – sandbags have been delivered and we are working to help get things resolved – I recognise a longer term solution is required.
“That is why I am giving my commitment and assurance that the flood alleviation scheme will be delivered for this area as quickly as possible. My officials advise we hope to have the scheme on the ground by summer 2021 but I am asking for that to be escalated to explore any options to get work brought forward.”
The drama unfolded as the Met
Office issued a weather warning for rain which was in place until 6am today
Henry Reilly, a councillor for the Mournes area, added: “My hearts go out to people affected by the floods. Today I’ve seen people being brought out on boats from their homes. The devastation is unbelievable.
“The tragedy of this is that it was preventable. It’s a relief we haven’t lost anyone and that nobody has died from this, but this will still have massive consequences for residents.”
Yesterday the Department for Communities announced it would be activating a payment scheme for individual householders hit by the floods.
Those eligible can claim £1,000 as an offer of practical assistance. Applicants are advised to contact their local council who will assess their home to see if the claim is eligible.
Also yesterday, fire crews responded to an incident at a property in Maghera, Co Derry, where a family was reportedly “trapped”.
A spokesman for the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service said: “Our Flood Response Team and two Fire Crews are in attendance at a flooding incident in Maghera to help rescue a number of people who are trapped in their home.”